Work

The Impact of Social Ties on Depressive Symptoms in U.S. and Japanese Elderly

Year: 2002

Type: article

Abstract: This study examines the effects of social ties (with spouse, children, friends, neighbors, other relatives, and community groups) on depressive symptom levels in U.S. and Japanese adults aged 60 and over. Nationally representative survey data from the United States (N= 1,419) and Japan (N= 2,200) indicate that having a spouse, or increased contacts with friends, neighbors and relatives was associated with fewer depressive symptoms in both samples. The effects of spousal presence were significantly larger in the United States than in Japan. The presence of children was associated with fewer depressive symptoms in Japan only, and this effect was significantly stronger among those currently unmarried as opposed to those who are currently married. We discuss these similarities and differences between countries.

Source: Journal of Social Issues

DOI: 10.1111/1540-4560.00290

Authors: Hidehiro Sugisawa, Hiroshi Shibata, Gavin W. Hougham, Yoko Sugihara, Jersey Liang

Institutions: University of Chicago, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, University of Michigan

Language: English

Topic: Aging, Health, and Disability

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: Rikkyo University